Zip code 90265, Mar 2026 to May 2026, from the Redfin Data Center. 90265 covers Malibu from the beach to the hills, so medians blend very different homes, from beachfront to canyon to ranch. Zip codes don't line up neatly with neighborhood borders, and medians hide a wide range of homes, so treat these as a rough feel for the area.
Frederick and May Rindge bought the Malibu ranch in 1892, and the pier was built around 1905 to ship goods from their private rancho; May Rindge later founded Malibu Potteries in 1926. Their daughter's 1929 Adamson House, designed by Stiles O. Clements and covered in Malibu tile, sits beside the pier at Malibu Lagoon, and the two together mark where modern Malibu began.
The homes
Malibu is its own city, incorporated in 1991, stretched along about 21 miles of coastline. Homes on the sand line stretches like Carbon Beach and Broad Beach, often narrow lots with the living space facing the water and the garage on Pacific Coast Highway. The Malibu Colony is a gated beachfront enclave near the Civic Center. On Point Dume, homes sit on larger, flatter lots on and near the bluffs, with ocean views on several sides.
Inland, the canyons and hillsides hold everything from modest ranch houses to large contemporary estates with views down to the water. In the western areas, larger parcels open up into ranches and properties with room for horses, vineyards and gardens. Recent fires mean some areas are a mix of standing homes, cleared lots and new construction.
The feel
- Malibu Country Mart and the surrounding Civic Center area are the hub for shops, restaurants and errands.
- Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach, a well-known surf break, anchor the eastern side of town.
- Zuma and Point Dume offer wide sandy beaches, tide pools and bluff-top views to the west.
- The mountains behind, including Malibu Creek State Park inland along Malibu Canyon, with the Getty Villa just past the eastern edge of the city.
Eat, drink, shop
- Nobu Malibu (Pacific Coast Hwy). The beachfront flagship for high-end sushi and Japanese dishes, with a patio over the water. Reservations open 30 days out. The Infatuation
- Malibu Seafood (Pacific Coast Hwy). A tiny roadside shack for fish and chips and shrimp cocktail, with a line on weekends. The Infatuation
- Clark's Oyster Bar (Civic Center Way). A polished seafood room built around a raw bar and martinis. The Infatuation
- Casita Basqueria (Cross Creek Rd). A small Spanish shop and deli whose sandwiches on imported bread tend to sell out early. The Infatuation
- Duke's Malibu (Pacific Coast Hwy). A Hawaiian-themed oceanfront restaurant with a lively outdoor bar, reopened in March 2026 after fire and mudslide repairs. The Infatuation
Getting around
Pacific Coast Highway is the main road, and in many places the only one. Santa Monica is often 25 to 45 minutes away depending on where you start and the time of day, and PCH can close for fires, mudslides or crashes. Canyon roads such as Malibu Canyon and Kanan Dume connect to the 101 and the Valley. Plan any regular commute carefully, and drive it at the hours you'd actually make it.
What's new
- Fire rebuilding. In September 2026, the City of Malibu reported its 100th rebuilding permit and its first certificate of occupancy for a rebuilt home. Source.
- Duke's Malibu reopened on PCH in March 2026 after fire and mudslide repairs. Source.
- PCH repairs. The highway reopened in May 2025, and Caltrans recovery work has continued with lane closures and reduced speed limits in work zones. Check current conditions. Source.
- The Getty Villa, just past the eastern edge of Malibu, reopened in June 2025. Source.
Good to know
- City of Malibu and the Coastal Commission. Permits go through the City of Malibu, and the whole city sits in the Coastal Zone, so many projects need coastal approvals. Expect longer timelines and verify with the City of Malibu.
- Septic systems. Many Malibu homes are not on a public sewer and use septic or onsite systems. Inspect the system, review its permits, and understand any upgrade requirements.
- Fire history and insurance. The Woolsey Fire (2018), the Franklin Fire (late 2024) and the Palisades Fire (2025) all affected parts of Malibu. Much of the city is in very high fire hazard severity zones, and insurance can be hard to place. Talk to a broker early.
- Beachfront homework. Look at flood and erosion risk, seawalls and the condition of any foundation or pilings, and check for public beach access easements on or near the property.
- Geology. Some hillside and bluff areas have landslide history. A geotechnical review is worth considering for any slope or bluff property.